Blogs

Nordstrom is teaming up with Boston-based Fashion Project, an innovative clothing donation site that resells gently used designer clothing and donates 55 percent of the proceeds to charity. Since launching in 2012 the company has donated over $50,000 to causes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Unicef.

We love it when Veritables owner, Marie Harris, gets the urge to Spring clean. It means we get the benefit of slashed prices on all the chic, sophisticated and timeless lamps, jewelry, throws, pillows, furniture and other home décor items she carries in her well-edited Bellevue shop (10220 Main Street). So, we’ll see you there starting Saturday, March 22 (sale runs through Saturday, April 5) for this once a year chance to stock up on cool new stuff for your abode.

Must TourExplore Modern Architecture on the Seattle Modern Home TourSaturday (3/22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) — Six local homes (more may be added), from West Seattle to North Seattle, Magnolia to Leschi, are opening their doors to design lovers during this self-guided driving tour of mid-century modern and contemporary modern abodes.

Derek Ronspies is hosting an offal dinner at his Fremont restaurant Le Petit Cochon next Tuesday (March 25) and he wants us all to get over ourselves when it comes to eating the less popular parts of the animal.
Here are 5 things he wants you to know about the dirty bits.

In the March issue of Seattle Magazine, we ran a fantastic (if I can say that humbly) article about the new single malt American whiskies being made in Washington State, and what our local distillers are focusing on to bring great taste to drinkers. One of the distillers I talked to was Westland master distiller Matt Hofmann. His answers to my questions were so thorough that I thought it’d be fun to feature his full interview here on the blog.

It's my firm belief that all humans love receiving flowers. Man, woman, child, curmudgeonly miser--it doesn't matter. So if you find yourself in the downtown region tomorrow (Thursday, March 20) in one of 15 locations from 12 to 1 p.m., Pike Place Market volunteers and other community members will be handing out locally grown daffodils.
The 17th Annual Daffodil Day marks the first offical day of spring (squee!) and distributes 10,000 bright yellow flowers to passersby in need of a little springy cheer.

Finalists for the 2014 James Beard Foundation Awards have been announced, and it’s a pretty good show for Seattle.
But before I present the short-list, let’s talk about why this award is such a big deal. While it may not mean much to the average consumer, this accolade is a huge honor for folks in the industry. Here’s why.

Every year, a great designer heads up to Vancouver for that city’s fashion week (VFW). Last year it was Carole McClellan and this year, it’s Kristie Metcalf, who, you might recall, shot to prominence with her appearance on Bravo’s Styled to Rock, Rihanna’s fashion reality show.

Pike Place Market
3/14–3/18 Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Kells Irish Pub in Post Alley, where gingers toast to dear old Ireland with live music from the old country—and quite a few pints o’ Guinness as well. kellsirish.com
Downtown

Even if the weather is still iffy, and will continue to be for months, once late March hits it’s time for spring fashion. That means brighter colors, lighter weight fabrics and a reassessment of what’s in your closet.

If modern architecture is your jam, sign up for the 2014 Modern Home Tour, which happens on Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Five homes, from West Seattle to North Seattle, Magnolia to Leschi, are set to open their doors to design lovers (more homes may be added), during the self-guided tour. Styles range from mid century modern to a remodel of a 1980s home and includes work from notable architect James Chiarelli, Robert Hutchison and Eric Cobb.